Final whistle blows on Páirc Uí Chaoimh - for now

The bulldozers are set to move in on Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Not before time, many would add.

Sunday's Munster hurling final between Cork and Limerick is the last at the venue before the €70million redevelopment begins.

What will emerge will be a 60,000-seater sports and concert venue.

Those of a certain generation may be surprised that Páirc Uí Chaoimh opened in June 1976, replacing the old Athletic Park that was deemed no longer fit for purpose.

It was named after Pádraig Ó'Caoimh, a Roscommon native, who became secretary of the Cork GAA board at the age of 21 and would later serve a 35-year stint as GAA General Secretary.

Work began on the stadium in April 1974. When completed the overall cost came to £1.4million.

Sunday 6 June, 1976 saw the official opening by the GAA President, Con Murphy. On the field of play, the then reigning All-Ireland football and hurling champions, Kerry and Kilkenny, faced their Cork counterparts.

As is the case on Sunday next, Cork and Limerick also contested the 1976 Munster hurling final at Páirc Ui Chaoimh.

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